OVERWORKED corporate leaders need annual "mental health checks" to avoid executive burnout, a condition that costs business billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and stress leave.

Burnout is one of the few mental disorders recognised by Work Safe Australia as directly caused by too much work and it contributes to a $20 billion "stress bill" businesses foot each year.

High achieving execs are at the highest risk and their slow journey to complete burnout can impact entire companies and spill out into home life and relationships.

Robyn McNeill knows only too well how damaging burnout can be; she nearly lost her family and her life to it when she was struggling to maintain her high pressure project management job.

"The first episode of burnout I had was when I walked out on my two kids and their father because I couldn’t cope," Ms McNeill, who now helps other sufferers as the director of beatingburnout.com.au, recalls.

"It was fight or flight syndrome, and I chose flight. I didn’t realise I had burnout, I thought my marriage was the problem, I was blaming everyone else."

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM BURNOUT? Tell us below

But the feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, isolation and anger continued to build, even though Ms McNeill remained in denial.

"I was mentally exhausted and unable to cope with situations I could normally deal with. One day I told my husband to take all the sleeping tablets and throw them away because if he didn’t, I would take them all."

It was the drastic push she needed to finally get medical help and counselling to understand what was wrong.

Now, as what she calls a burnout survivor, Ms McNeill knows her situation was all too preventable had she sought that help earlier on.

"It is a journey to burnout," she explains. "It starts with stress but if you take no action, the symptoms get worse. You start to lose clarity of thinking, the ability to make good decisions or to be creative, your physical and mental health are in decline. You need to identify what is going on and take action early."

Clinical psychologist Dr Simon Kinsella wants businesses to arrange a yearly annual mental health check for top employees like one he has devised at the Institute of Performance and Well Being.

An independent assessment, he says, would help tackle the issue of sufferers’ themselves not wanting to admit there is a problem.

"I am definitely seeing more cases of executive burnout. Executives and CEOs have a higher level of pressure to deal with such as mergers or insolvencies. But they have very driven personalities, they feel weak if they are not coping, and they fear if they show signs of weakness, the culture at executive level will see them as vulnerable," Dr Kinsella says.

Plus, if companies invest in checking the mental health of key staff, they can save a fortune in retention and attrition down the line.

It is the human cost however, that has made fighting burnout Ms McNeill’s passion.

"My concern is that there are a lot of people living in quiet desperation. They are too busy to take the time to address the problem. They don’t understand life is quality over quantity."

Admitting the problem is much of the battle won, Dr Kinsella agrees.

"Its self awareness and it’s looking for the signs particularly around sleep, diet and exercise. If you are doing those well, you increase your capacity to handle a heavy workload."

For survivors such as Ms McNeill, beating burnout means being constantly vigilant about allowing bad habits to return.

"I have to manage it on a daily basis and will do for the rest of my life," she says. "You have to be aware of the riggers to your stress, but habits are hardwired, so you need to create new wiring by understanding what is going on in your brain."

ON THE BRINK OF BURNOUT?

Recognising burnout early is crucial to avoiding it having a disastrous effect on every area of your life...if you have any of these symptoms, you may be on the brink of burnout:

1. CAN’T SLEEP? Restlessness and broken sleep patterns is a common sign that you are under too much stress.

2. MOOD SWINGS. Men often show their burnout as aggression, women are more likely to cry for what seems little reason.

3. NOT EATING PROPERLY. Losing your appetite or simply not having enough time to make sure you have a balanced diet.4. JUST NOT COPING. Ordinary, everyday tasks seem too difficult to handle but you don’t know why you feel so overwhelmed

5. SIGNS OF DEPRESSION. High achievers often aren’t keen to admit they have feelings of depression or anxiety.6. LAYING BLAME. Lashing out at colleagues or staff at work, or blaming your partner or family for how you feel.

News.com.au's Privacy Policy includes important information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information (including to provide you with targeted content and advertising based on your online activities). It explains that if you do not provide us with information we have requested from you, we may not be able to provide you with the goods and services you require. It also explains how you can access or seek correction of your personal information, how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with a complaint of that nature.

Comments on this story

If they knew how to motivate the staff and how to monitor the results of instructions the problem would be minor. There is far too much reliance on the education out of books by people who have not actually experienced the function, etc,for selection of senior staff instead of the people skills and genuine knowledge of what the company actually does in a physical sense. It is all the figures they read without knowing experience of what produces tye figures.

Comment 1 of 55

Jim Stewart of Vic Posted at 5:06 PM November 02, 2012

Sounds more than a little like another 'one size fits all' problem and solution.
Some people can handle a lot stress and stay balanced [a sense of humour tends to help] whilst others can handle little before slipping into their distress zone. The ability to handle stress would normally be identified long before they are enticed into executive roles.

Comment 2 of 55

Jan Posted at 4:33 PM November 02, 2012

I would also add that it's a bit intrusive for employers to try to be involved with the health care of their employees. No one wants their boss interfering with their doctors' visits.

Comment 3 of 55

Jan Posted at 4:30 PM November 02, 2012

No, what they need is a good sleep and to work more reasonable hours and spend more time with their families, not to get a mental health check. Have doctors lost all common sense?

Comment 4 of 55

Jason Rogers of Sydney Posted at 4:26 PM November 02, 2012

Excellent Story! Yes, many in corporate life suffer in silence and it's not long before burnout turns into a breakdown. It's a real issue and I think many people try to push through it or sweep it under the carpet. Once you get burnt-out you almost have to look for a complete seachange and listen to your body finally! Finding a completely new way to live regardless of your type-A personality wanting to achieve and push, strive and succeed. Teachin people how to live and learning how to live, can be a lifelong journey! :)

Comment 5 of 55

Elle Posted at 4:10 PM November 02, 2012

I had a problem like the above a few years back, and as a result I then developed an underactive Thyroid and low adrenal glands, so I was always tired.... It got so bad that I kept hoping to fall down my stairs at home so I didn't have to go work... Work was putting so much pressure on me because my bosses could not manage their money that everything was so important as they constantly 'needed money' .... When you don't feel yourself, and have a foggy mind, you just can't cope.... after getting treated and learning not to take on my bosses problems I have been much better...

Comment 6 of 55

Richard of Australia Posted at 4:08 PM November 02, 2012

This isn't confined to just "corporate leaders" I'm a frontline call centre operator and combined with a couple of other NON work related issues-- this happened to me last year... I'm only in my early 30s-- it can affect ANYONE.

Comment 7 of 55

Archie of Lake Macquarie Posted at 3:54 PM November 02, 2012

I suffered burnout in my work as a Head Teacher of three faculties in the public education system due to a long series of circumstances which are too detailed to outline here.
The interesting thing is that burnout crept up on me without my realising. I went to work on a Monday, went home that evening then couldn't go back the nest day. I wouldn't wish what I experienced on anyone. It took me the best part of two years to emerge from it. Having said that, I manged to gain medial retirement and haven't look back since.
My advice to anyone in a similar situation is to not look back but rather look forward to a better life. Leave the past behind because it's not even worth mulling over when your health is the main consideration. Think of #1!!

Comment 8 of 55

Worried of NSW Posted at 3:34 PM November 02, 2012

I think my ex boyfriend is suffering from burnout. He's an engineer and his career has just shot up in about a year. He and I broke up because he couldn't commit enough time to the relationship, he says he has mood swings, doesn't seem to enjoy the activities that he liked when we were dating :(

Comment 9 of 55

Hypocrites Posted at 3:11 PM November 02, 2012

These 'burnout victims' get what they deserve. I get punished constantly in my career for choosing to have a reasonable work/life balance - usually by future 'burnout victims'.
Meanwhile they get the monetary/career rewards then turn around at the end of it all and preach to everyone to 'do as I say, not as I do' and hold themselves up as some kind of genius for turning off their mobile at 6pm. Idiots.

Comment 10 of 55

Hayley Posted at 3:04 PM November 02, 2012

I don't think that high flyer executives are the only ones to suffer. I resigned from my job as a Travel Agent a few months ago as I was completely burnt out. It's difficult to understand the pressures of that role unless you or a loved on has experienced it. I consider myself to be level headed and capable, but the role was utterly overwhelming. Had I stayed, some sort of breakdown would have been on the cards.
My former colleagues frequently complain about working 10-14 hour days, and still they are not caught up. They are tired, stressed and frequently unwell. The problem is industry wide. Unfortunately, the average travel agent salary is not commensurate with the impact the job has on your life, and on those around you.
So it's a big 'adios' to the travel industry from me. With two fingers up.

that's a tick in all categories for me at the last job, did they try anything to assist? nope, they just wanted to bury me and move onto the next guy they can burn out. but heres a solution.. STOP PUSHING FOR 24/7 BUSINESS HOURS!
once the hours are reduced and the unbelievable KPI are relaxed (Telstra take note!) you'll see stress levels reduce.

Comment 14 of 55

Michael m Posted at 2:31 PM November 02, 2012

That is all well and good that they have discovered it in the upper echelons, but what about the industries that deal with burnout daily? I myself am a chef, and doing 60+ hour weeks every week does indeed, burn you out. But are there any plans for us? Doctors ad nurses? Hopefully something can happen on a nationwide level to look after all workers.

Comment 15 of 55

Magdalah Helena of Brisbane Posted at 2:23 PM November 02, 2012

"Burnout" just doesnt apply to top executives etc!
It happens to Call Centre workers and the like all the time yet we dont get any "special" treatment.

Comment 16 of 55

Judi of Adelaide Posted at 2:19 PM November 02, 2012

It's not just "top executives" that suffer from burnout. Try being the one your parents & children both rely on, while working full-time & nursing a terminally ill husband. Add to that "friends" who tell you that "all you need to do is ask for help", but then disappear the moment you do. And people saying "I don't know how you cope!!" & laughing when you say "I'm not sure I am". Counselling's not doing anything - there's still no-one to help me.

Comment 17 of 55

evanism of Unfortunately Canberra Posted at 2:06 PM November 02, 2012

You forgot to add Booze.

Comment 18 of 55

Lee of Syd Posted at 2:03 PM November 02, 2012

It's Safe Work Australia by the by!

Comment 19 of 55

fedup of brisbane Posted at 2:01 PM November 02, 2012

These are symptoms that affect a whole lot more people than executives, but of course the most privileged would also feel that they were the most harshly affected by the issue. Yet another excuse for the high salaries and golden handshakes. Good on you folks - how tough it is to be you.

Comment 20 of 55

anonymoose Posted at 1:51 PM November 02, 2012

So only people who get paid a lot can get burnout? Ha..

Comment 21 of 55

Peter M of Sydney Posted at 1:49 PM November 02, 2012

I applaud this article - but it has brought back memories(some better forgotten) from events 12 years ago which have reshaped my life when I had a burnout / breakdown that smashed my career, lifestyle and almost ruined my marriage. As a senior exec on the rise for a company in late 1990s, I set up a new business from scratch, employing 35+ people.
Still working 70+ hrs p/wk after years slugging it out, chasing my tail for new / replacement staff, no good 2IC to help me, I could barely cope let alone enjoy a family life.
But the company was floundering and I got lumbered another business stream (in trouble). I had to sack 10 people in my first month and pick up the pieces - very sad work.
Why did I accept the extra responsibility - I knew in my heart it would stretch me to beyond my limit?
My mother dying was the final straw that broke me and sent me into deep depression / inability to function for many months.
What little help from my employer was far too little, too late and wrong advice. Burnout is little understood nor addressed in a timely manner.
I'm no longer a senior exec but am well and whole now, still happily married & lucky to be alive to see my grandchildren.

Comment 22 of 55

god doctor of Graylands Posted at 1:46 PM November 02, 2012

What's really going on here, hey? Every now & then, just like the vaccine brigade, mental health get together & work out which areas of society to launch a campaign against. Of course! Why not the execs & their fat pay packets. This is one of the biggest loads of bs I have read. Seeing a shrink is NOT the answer - too many mental health cases being ignored & sent home to suicide or kill, while perfectly sound people (who bring in the money) are being told they have mental health disorders. '...part of the battle won' - yeah, for the burgeoning mental health system - battle to get more dollars... There are many safe & very valid ways to cope with stress - each of these points you've laid out - of course with no answers attached - sleep - relaxation strategies, herbal relaxants (non addictive...), exercise, decent bed, etc....Mood swings - hormone dysfunction is very common today, with so many reasons. Drugs do nothing to help, nor do mental health services. See a natural therapist. Not eating properly wont be fixed with the industry-led 'nutritionist' con out there. Depression is a sign of many things - usually hormonal. You DON'T usually need a shrink. See one at your own peril.

Comment 23 of 55

Mick of Sydney Posted at 1:43 PM November 02, 2012

sounds like a typical woman

Comment 24 of 55

Ben Advance of Brisbane Posted at 1:39 PM November 02, 2012

It's real. Hopefully one day the great initiatives such as R U OK etc will bring sufferers out of the pain and into real help not medico-legal box ticking.

Comment 25 of 55

merretti of Close to looney farm Posted at 1:34 PM November 02, 2012

This is an epidemic and it's not only high fliers that are affected. As you become older there is added pressure on keeping your position to the point that you put up with all of the extra work that is lumped on you. I'm in an industry that claims to "look after its employees" but participates in wholesale redundancies leaving the remaining employees to take on the extra load. I'm working 50 to 60 hours to get through what is expected and at 60 years of age, I'm struggling. On the other hand I'm lucky enough to be employed.
For the first time in my life I'm seeing a councillor to get some coping mechanisms and what led me to do this was a feeling of dread, incompetence, self doubt and pure fatigue.
Somehow I must regain some form of life balance otherwise...

Comment 26 of 55

Brett Posted at 1:33 PM November 02, 2012

I fit this bill, BUT you have provided little information about HOW to go about resolving the issue ????

Comment 27 of 55

dinkumnet.com Posted at 1:25 PM November 02, 2012

Apart from one or two exceptions I can not remember any executives being in the office before 9 or after 5. 90% of them adhere "from 11 to 3" working hours.
Executives usually are very good in delegating their executive burnout down the "office food chain"
Despite this, regular psychiatrist checks for bosses is a brilliant idea. It is very hard to find one that does not show solid symptoms of psychopathy.

Comment 28 of 55

Louweezer of Sydney Posted at 1:22 PM November 02, 2012

But what do I do about it - I am in the middle of a "burnout" but don't know where to turn???

Comment 29 of 55

kate of Sydney Posted at 1:11 PM November 02, 2012

good article, except that it is a little insulting and narrow to suggest that it is more likely to happen to top execs. people at all levels can go through this- there are loads of jobs with enormous pressure- like child protection, police work, ambulance/ health workers- we just aren't as highly valued as execs, so the pressures we face are often ignored. I have experienced burnout. i sought help, and am ok now. i am not an exec.

Comment 30 of 55

Pushbiker of Sacked for smiling Posted at 1:09 PM November 02, 2012

Hopefully the so called high fliers, can realize that adding value to the community is a true purpose being a psycho boss isn't

Comment 31 of 55

Chris of Perth Posted at 1:06 PM November 02, 2012

Can burnout be brought on by too much boredom at work?? If so I think this could be me :(

Comment 32 of 55

CC of Bris Posted at 12:59 PM November 02, 2012

Why would this be limited to execs? I work in an industry connected to what Ms McNiell works in, and I can tell you those on the production side of the projects she manages are under WAY more pressure than she is. Working long hours, much less pay, and much more pressure to get things right. If Ms McNiells project falls over because something wasn't quite right, its not Ms McNiell that cops it, its the person who drew her project (me). I'm under way more pressure to get it right, and get it out on time. In fact its people like Ms McNiell riding me to get the job out early so she gets her "early completion of works" bonus - while I get a low salary and a workplace that demands 50-60hrs a week and only pays for 40 hours! No early completion of works bonus for me, I don't even get time in lieu. Its the people at the BOTTOM end of these 'production lines' that get the short end and suffer burnout. At least Ms McNiell is getting compensated for her stress with a high pay package.

Comment 33 of 55

Brett Posted at 12:55 PM November 02, 2012

I found a better job.
Recognising something that has been effecting the male population for the last 30 years is stating the obvious nothing new. Way to much cotton wool now days, stop blaming someone else for your problems, harden up, grow up and get over it. Or do what I did and get a real job that you love. Doing something that is not making lots of MONEY? I don't care! - rant concluded. have a great day.

Comment 34 of 55

Ben in Bris of Brisbane Posted at 12:47 PM November 02, 2012

Unfortunately admitting you have symptoms of burnout will get you labelled. People will lose their trust in you, and you will never get that back. Those at risk of burnout are acutely aware of that, and that makes things even worse.

Comment 35 of 55

Random internet person Posted at 12:24 PM November 02, 2012

I'm not an executive but I do suffer from boredom/monotony burnout, sounds like once again we look after the people at the top and neglect all those at the bottom. You know who the key staff are in most government departments the lowest paid level one staff who look after reception, answer the phones,etc if they all walked out at the same time government departments would grind to a halt. I imagine this would apply to many private sector organisations as well.

Comment 36 of 55

Tyson Behrndt Posted at 12:17 PM November 02, 2012

Just execs?? I think this is a bit bigger problem than people realise.

These issues are not limited to executives or âtop employeesâ. More & more there are expectations in the workforce that go beyond acheiving a balanced lifestyle. I worked in retail in a management role on less than $50. Expectations were being on call 7 days a week, restyling the entire store twice weekly, stock intake, holidays limited to only February to October dependant on events, no Christmas or Easter off EVER, to manage increasing administration duties with limited staffing cover and the highest level of customer service. Something had to give, for me I was numb constantly. Living, eating, sleeping my job. Yet it was never good enough & that wanting recompense for constant overtime was scoffed at. I no longer work in the retail field thank God. For a company that advocated a philosophy of respect & integrity it fell miles short.

Comment 39 of 55

mLr of Australia Posted at 12:04 PM November 02, 2012

Its always about "executives" and management isn't it? Never anything to help the majority of people, yes the MAJORITY of people, in the workforce below these lofty levels who earn a fraction of these "poor" exec's... The sad truth is most are burning out because of their sheer incompetence catching up to them! Forcing and bullying their "reports" into doing 6 or 7+ days of hours per week can only cover their backsides for so long... Until those poor "reports" burn out too and can't do their own work plus their executives work on top of the work of others who've already been "restructured" out or burnt out and not replaced any more..

Comment 40 of 55

Anon of Melbourne Posted at 12:02 PM November 02, 2012

Excellent article.. I literally have everyone of these symptoms after 15 years living and working in London. Now I get back to Australia and find that I have to justify my Medicare card even though I paid 10 years of taxes since finishing school and was born and raised here. Feel like a 2nd class citizen, worse than a refugee in my own country.. Sickening experience trying to renew drivers license (wont accept an Aussie passport as single proof of ID??) in the past 48 hours..

Comment 41 of 55

ben Posted at 11:59 AM November 02, 2012

Burnout? Please, isn't that why they get paid the big bucks?

Comment 42 of 55

Eve Hudson Posted at 11:48 AM November 02, 2012

It's not just the execs that experience burnout. I work for a government dept and we are constantly being pushed to do more and more within a shorter time frame, we deal with agressive clientele each day and the opinion of the dept is if you can't cope you know where the door is, no mental health checks for us as that would cost the government money.

Comment 43 of 55

Jess of Toowoomba Posted at 11:46 AM November 02, 2012

It's not just the top level positions that suffer from this! what about the executive assistants and PAs that support those demanding, highly strung CEOs and managing directors right down to the receptionists with calls flooding in everyday and all those coffee runs!
Really it is just another form of depression and is yet another example of the high pressure world and increasing demands that come with new technologies into the work place....... not being able to go home and switch off because your Ipad is receiving emails, your Iphone is receving text messages, your laptop is receiving emails and the pull of your family!
There should be more support to encourage work life balance in the workforce as well as actually providing activities to encourage this.
Employers should be investing in teaching their employees timemanagement skills so they are not required outside of work, invest in teaching them techniquest to have a better balance with work and family.......... they say happy wife, happy life............ why not apply this to your employees.

Comment 44 of 55

Blayque of Australia Posted at 11:43 AM November 02, 2012

I'm on two week medical rest right now, following a month over Aug/Sep 12. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, exhaustion, mental lethargy and moments of confusion.
In 2010 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after years of stress relating to my mistreatment at work. This year a bully arrived at work and ruined a great team. My unqualified view is that this person is a psychopath of the white collar variety.
Combined with inaction from those above me, these circumstances created my perfect storm and my physiology went haywire. My doctor's immediate appraisal was resign and get out of there. I chose to rest first so that I can think things through clearly and make wise choices.
I concluded that there is only one worse type of person after a psychopath, and that is a spectator.
Of note is that Government has started an inquiry into bullying. FaCHSIA has identified bullying as a problem through recent staff surveys (might have taken note of my anonymous tip-off earlier this year). Only today, Facebook announces its anti-bullying campaign. Perhaps a collective pattern relating to some 'cause and effect'.
I wonder if our civilised community has forgotten how to be civilised.

Comment 45 of 55

SAm Posted at 11:35 AM November 02, 2012

wait, the poor executives who place enormous pressures on us plebs are the poor devils who suffer from burnout? Give me a break! If I call in and say im 'burnt out' I doubt the MD will come down and offer me a mental health check.
And of course its a real thing, thats why we have sick leave, unfortunatly we just have lie and say were feeling crook

Comment 46 of 55

I run on berroca Posted at 11:31 AM November 02, 2012

It doesn't just happen to executives. Try being a single mum, working 2 jobs, looking after a house and yard and running a teen to work and extra curricular activities. Bring on Christmas!!!

Comment 47 of 55

northerner of sth oz Posted at 11:14 AM November 02, 2012

Sorry, execs earning 10s or 100s of times the average weekly earnings are not entitled to "burn out". As for Dr. Kinsella well the good Dr. is just spruiking his services to a wealthy clientel, maybe you just wern't up to the job, if you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen, otherwise harden up princess

Comment 48 of 55

MissC Posted at 10:53 AM November 02, 2012

So, taking from your story, only execs/CEO's and the like of the corporate world suffer from burnout? Me thinks not. I work 3 jobs, 7 days a week and have not had a day off, not one single day, in 10 weeks. This is just to try to make ends meet.

Comment 49 of 55

Rob of Wollongong Posted at 10:48 AM November 02, 2012

Doing the job and doing the job are two different things. You don't get the big bucks because you sit there and look good.
Most people only think they are organised. Overworking does not mean you are organised.
makes me laugh.
Exec stress. Hah.
To a great degree you can blame Microsoft and apple for it. Now we have faster media we all work quicker.
You wanted smater technology and now you winge about the results.
Bunch of old women.

A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites.